The Archaeological Apogee of Baalbek

Surrounded by the fertile plains of the Beqaa Valley, the ruins of Baalbek are a testament to the ancient civilisation of Lebanon and its archaeological and architectural wonders. The greatest temples are dedicated to a triad of deities - Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus - and archaeologists, historians and scientists alike remain perplexed as to how structures of such magnitude were carved, transported and assembled so many thousands of years ago.

From the Phoenicians and the Greeks to the apogee of architecture of Imperial Rome and the fortressing of the Ottoman Empire, the ruins span millennia and tell the story of conquest and rebellion. During this time, they were the centre of worship for a host of religions and welcomed a deluge of pilgrims.

The ornate beauty of some of the structures belies their age and stature - both physically historically. Today, Baalbek is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of Lebanon’s most prized possessions.

Baalbek, September 2018

The Archaeological Apogee of Baalbek

Surrounded by the fertile plains of the Beqaa Valley, the ruins of Baalbek are a testament to the ancient civilisation of Lebanon and its archaeological and architectural wonders. The greatest temples are dedicated to a triad of deities - Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus - and archaeologists, historians and scientists alike remain perplexed as to how structures of such magnitude were carved, transported and assembled so many thousands of years ago.

From the Phoenicians and the Greeks to the apogee of architecture of Imperial Rome and the fortressing of the Ottoman Empire, the ruins span millennia and tell the story of conquest and rebellion. During this time, they were the centre of worship for a host of religions and welcomed a deluge of pilgrims.

The ornate beauty of some of the structures belies their age and stature - both physically historically. Today, Baalbek is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of Lebanon’s most prized possessions.